Sharon Chimenya
MASVINGO — The Masvingo City Council is launching the National Clean-Up, Restoration, Order, and Safety Programme today, aiming to engage property owners, businesses, vendors, and other key stakeholders across the city.
This initiative seeks to create a cleaner, more organised, and safer environment for residents of the ancient city.
According to a public notice, city officials will begin visiting premises throughout Masvingo starting today (Monday, 28 September). Their inspections will focus on ensuring compliance in areas such as illegal markets and informal vending, improper waste disposal, unauthorised parking of commuter omnibuses, and the unlawful use of backyards.
Other areas to be inspected include dangerous buildings, enforcement against illegal developments, and the maintenance of clear sanitary lanes and footpaths.
The city urges everyone to cooperate to build a healthier and more vibrant community.
“The City of Masvingo wishes to inform all residents, property owners, businesses, vendors, commuter operators, and stakeholders that the Government of Zimbabwe has launched the National Clean-Up, Restoration, Order, and Safety Programme.
“The city will commence implementation on 28 September 2026, with compliance checks being conducted as part of the process.”
Under illegal commercial and backyard use, the city council will target activities such as unauthorised restaurants and garages. Under illegal markets and informal vending, they will target unauthorised sheds, street encroachments, and hawking.
The circular stated that all vendors must be registered and must operate from designated market sites. Vendors in the Central Business District may operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while those in residential areas may operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The local authority also requires property owners to repair, repaint, and maintain buildings within prescribed periods.
Regarding illegal parking of commuter omnibuses, any person found picking up or offloading goods or passengers in undesignated areas will be subject to penalties. Similarly, anyone found dumping litter in undesignated areas will be penalised.
“You are hereby advised to comply with this directive and to take the necessary corrective action before the council is compelled to act.”
The notice follows the national launch in Harare and the issuance of similar directives by other local authorities, such as Mutare and Chitungwiza.
